Water Mission, a nonprofit Christian engineering organization, is mobilizing a disaster response effort to provide safe water to San Juan, Honduras, in response to heavy rains that have resulted in flooding and a landslide.

Extensive damage has occurred to local infrastructures such as roads, buildings, and the municipal water system. The current situation is urgent as there is no safe water accessible to approximately 7,000 people who live in five communities affected by the landslide.

“Securing safe water access for the region is critical in order to avoid the spread of water-borne illness,” said Water Mission Honduras Country Director Hector Chacon. “Water Mission staff is focused on securing both immediate and long-term access to safe water so the surrounding communities can begin rebuilding.”

Water Mission regularly works in the region and has a permanent office in San Juan, Honduras. Water Mission staff is diligently assessing the situation and coordinating a response with local government authorities and partners to provide safe water as quickly as possible. The initial response includes helping with water analysis, setting up emergency water treatment, and identifying a new permanent water source for the municipality of San Juan.

With more than 19 years of disaster response experience, Water Mission has an extensive background in successfully responding to the needs of local communities with both immediate and long-term sustainable safe water and sanitation solutions.